Back to the Basics - Understanding the Ignition Interlock Devices & DWI in Texas

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Back to the Basics - Understanding the Ignition Interlock Devices & DWI in Texas

By
The Wilder Firm
|June 30, 2015

If you are convicted of
DWI in the state of Texas, you may be ordered by the court to have an ignition interlock device
installed in your vehicle. An ignition interlock device requires you to
perform a breathalyzer test every time you drive your vehicle. For some,
the test must result in a sample below the state’s legal limit.
For others, the test must result in a sample containing absolutely no
alcohol. For everyone, the ignition interlock device is an annoyance,
a hassle, a significant expense, and a daily reminder that you were convicted
of driving under the influence. Hopefully, these words are just a reminder
to never drive while intoxicated. However, if you have been arrested for
DWI in Texas, these words should inspire you to contact an experienced
Texas DWI attorney about your legal options concerning the charges against you.

An Ignition Interlock Device Can Be Substantial In Cost

If you are ordered by a court in which you are convicted for DWI to have
an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, you will first
have to pay to have the device installed in your vehicle. This cost is
typically around $100. Besides this cost, you will be charged a monthly
fee for leasing the device. Usually, this amount is around $100. As you
can see, these sums can really add up over the course of a year.

An Ignition Interlock Device is Visible To Drivers, Passengers, and Pedestrians

An ignition interlock device is usually connected to the vehicle dashboard.
Before you can start your vehicle, you must blow into the mouthpiece of
the device. The device then measures your Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC). If you provide an acceptable BAC sample, the device allows your
vehicle to start. Imagine going through this process dozens of times a
day for a year or more. You’re going to work in the morning. Breathalyzer
test. You’re on the way home from the grocery store. Breathalyzer
test. You’re driving back from date night at the movies. Breathalyzer
test. As you can easily imagine, the inconvenience and the shame are awful.
You do not want to go through the hassle of dealing with an ignition interlock
device for a long period of time.

What To Do If You Have Been Arrested For DWI In Texas

A DWI charge is a very serious matter. You only have 15 days from the date
of the arrest to schedule an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the
Texas Department of Public Safety. You will also have to face charges in court. A conviction will result
in substantial fines and surcharges, and other serious penalties. You
will benefit greatly from contacting an experienced Texas DWI attorney
to discuss your legal options. A skilled and experienced attorney will
evaluate the state’s case against you, and fight to protect your rights.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.